This year has been a completely life changing experience because of the Al D. Scholarship. Where I come from, there is no sense of community within the industry. Now that I’ve attended Conference, I feel like I have a home and a family. Previously, I was so stagnant in my career it wasn’t even funny. Now, because of the amazing opportunity I was given to attend this year’s Conference, not only have I pushed myself harder to learn, but I’ve pushed myself in my business as well. Solely based on Conference, I now have an achievable goal of opening the only APP shop in my county by next Conference.
The sense of community and love I now feel from the industry is amazing. These newly discovered feelings are all because of the people who thought I was deserving enough to be a part of the volunteer group. For whatever reason, they saw something in me that they felt was worthy enough of this life changing experience. Conference changed my outlook on—not just piercing—but my life as well.
I just want to say thank you to Caitlin for putting up with my BS and every single volunteer. Also, I want to thank Krista Crespo, Becky Dill, the Bay Area Piercing Group, and most of all the crew at Electric Monk Tattoo for pushing me and helping me get this scholarship. It has been an amazing experience. Thank you.